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Homowo - Thanksgiving in Africa

11/24/2014

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Source: dearghana.com, ghanaweb.com
It’s almost that time of year again when we gather with our loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving: a tradition originating from a time when the arch rivals; Pilgrims and Indians, put aside their differences and sat down together at a ‘harvest feast’. But this tradition of giving thanks for food and harvest is not unique to North America. In Ghana, among a tribe called the Ga, a form of Thanksgiving called the Homowo Festival is one of the largest cultural festivals of its kind in Africa!
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Unlike our Thanksgiving, Homowo goes on for about 3 months, starting with the blessing of crops as they are sown and following with a series of dances and rituals until the harvest is reaped and the ‘Thanksgiving’ feast is shared.

The Ga word for this festival, Homowo literally means “hooting at hunger” and the origin of this name and the Homowo Harvest Festival goes back to a very significant time of hardship for the Ga people - very much like our Thanksgiving that goes back to the significant dinner between Pilgrims and Indians.

The Ga of Ghana

To understand the significance of Homowo and farming for the Ga tribe of Ghana in West Africa, we must look back into their history.

The Ga have an interesting past of frequent migration around the continent of Africa. They traveled for many years before reaching the west coast of the Accra region of Ghana, where they now live. In this migration to pre-colonial
Ghana, they suffered a severe famine brought on by poor rainfall. The people were so close to starvation that they embarked on a vicious cycle of food cultivation in desperation and in the hope of rain.

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Fortunately the rains returned the following season and their labor was gratefully rewarded with a bountiful harvest. The Ga rejoiced with this blessing and remembered it by naming it Homowo, meaning "hooting at hunger". 

The Homowo Festival Rituals

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Photo by Robert Ashie
The Homowo festival and the lead up to the feast starts in May and goes on until August usually but sometimes as late as September. The actual Homowo harvest feast is always on a Saturday but the exact date varies from year to year.

The start of Homowo Harvest Festival begins when the first crops are sown. One of the first crops, millet, is blessed by the traditional priests ahead of the rainy season in May. This is then followed by a series of rituals to mark the festival season. Among these rituals is a 30-day ban on drumming, and a few days of rest leading up to the feast where no land is worked or fishing is allowed. In rituals like these the Ga prepare to concentrate on their crops and calm the sea gods.
The 2 weeks preceding the harvest feast are filled with significant displays of family and community interchange. Workers leave the farms and go back to their homes singing, dancing and parading in the streets. They bring with them their harvested crops like maize and palm nuts.  Over the next few days any loved ones who passed away are remembered, the elderly are visited, gifts are exchanged between relatives and  any ongoing disputes should be settled.

Traditional dishes that are made for the Homowo feast are palm nut fish soup and a corn powder dish. The day of the actual feast is followed by dances and parades throughout the towns, which lasts several days.

Although there are significant differences between North America’s Thanksgiving and the Homowo Harvest Festival, the values behind these annual celebrations are the same, or at least stem from the same morals like hard work, perseverance, community and thankfulness for mother earth’s life-giving food. These traditional celebration are also times when family will reunite, travelling long distances sometimes, to celebrate and share a special dinner with their loved ones.

Author: Donna Van Wyk


SEO Copywriter and Content Strategist at DigiGal
Marketing
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6 Truly African Restaurants in California

11/8/2014

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Whether you’re in the mood for Mozambique peri-peri chicken wings or West African plantains, I can bet there’s a little taste of Africa tucked away in your corner of California. Yes, all the way from San Francisco to San Diego, you can enjoy a meal that will take you back to your mother’s kitchen and home cooking (if Africa is home to you). And what’s more, to find such a place, where African spices, curries and music fills the air, you may not have to go as far as you thought.

I’ve hand-picked only 5 African restaurants, run mostly by authentic, ethnic owners in the North, Central and Southern Cali, but there are many more. So read on and please, share with us anymore places we should know about!

Bissap Baobab, San Francisco

As the African Baobab tree is a symbol of life, community, and culture, Bissap Baobab has a laid back, yet distinctly cosmopolitan, worldly vibe which upholds the concept of an African village. This Senegalese restaurant serves an array of West African spiced lamb, seafood and chicken dishes. Try one of their homemade drinks, signature cocktails or beers from all over the world too. Also keep an eye out for their special events: from DJs to live music and dance performances; to French language and World Cup meet-ups; to independent film screenings; art exhibitions; spoken word and poetry.

www.bissapboabab.com

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Amawele's South African Kitchen, San Francisco

Thanks to South African twin sisters, Pam and Wendy the Zulu word 'Amawele', meaning twins, was the name given to this delectable San Francisco restaurant. Here a melting pot of cultures combine to bring you food inspired by the different influences in South Africa: English, Indian, Dutch, Malaysian and Native African. Spices from all over the world meet to create dishes like Cape Malay curry, bobotie, bunny chow, peri-peri chicken, frikadella and, how could we forget, slap chips. But don’t feel too guilty about indulging here. Amawele’s has cleverly adapted some of their dishes to be gluten free – at no expense to the taste buds!

www.amawelessouthafricankitchen.com

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Radio African kitchen, San Francisco

A while back, Ethiopia had very few places to hear popular music and sports.  In fact maybe one house per neighborhood had a radio. And this is where kids would gather to listen to soccer matches and music, all the while sharing laughter, conversation and snacks. With fond memories like these, owner and chef, Eskender Aseged, named his restaurant radio African kitchen. His Bay area restaurant boasts dishes that he created after being inspired by great chefs he worked with in the USA and also from the tastes of his African roots.  A healthy alternative, dishes are infused with a wide range of organic vegetables, greens, grains, nuts, wild fish, shellfish and fruit, accompanied by fine herbs and spices.

www.radioafricakitchen.com


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Veronica's kitchen (Fufu Land), Los Angeles

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This Nigerian restaurant is the real thing! A small, very friendly, simple-looking spot in Inglewood where you can make small talk with the owner, Veronica.

Whether you’re from the motherland or new to Nigerian cuisine, Yelp reviews of this place have been off the roof. If you have never tasted jollof rice, fufu or moi-moi then you will just have to visit this place to find out what they are!

No website available but take a look at their
Yelp reviews.


Mozambique, Laguna and Newport beach

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For a fine dining experience try Mozambique located on the beachfront. Offering a irresistible fusion of fresh local seafood, steaks and Mozambique spices, you can enjoy the sea air while sipping on a glass of local or renowned South African wine (Meerlust, Kanonkop, Rust en Vrede to name a few!). Pair this with a dish of Peri-peri chicken livers, Durban lamb curry, and oh, how can we forget the prawns!

Keep an eye on their website for live music nights too.

Cape Town, San Diego

From a small “hole in the wall” deli behind a gas station to a bustling South African themed sports bar, Cape Town serves up all the usuals like samoosas, biltong, dry wors, boerewors, peri-peri chicken livers,  bunny chow,  bobotie, pap and gravy and SA wines and soft drinks to top it off. The sports bar shows typical South African sports that are not readily available in San Diego like rugby, soccer , cricket, surfing and golf.

www.capetownpub.com/

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Author: Donna Van Wyk

SEO Copywriter and Content Strategy at DigiGal Marketing
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An African Halloween

10/30/2014

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The Dogon's Masked Dama Dance

Source: National Geographic and The Republic of Mali. Ceremony photos supplied by Kyle Mijlof Photography.
Deep in the mountains of Mali, West Africa live a mysterious tribe called the Dogon. Known for their rituals, cosmology and mask dances, the Dogon perform a sacred ritual every few years which I am reminded of close to the American and Mexican holidays: Halloween and Day of the Dead.

Adorned in masks and costumes the dead are called upon to peacefully cross over to the other side. However this ritual is much more sacred and meaningful than costumes and candy...

Up in the mountains above the Dogon village, graveyard caves hold the bones of deceased members of the tribe. Before the ceremonial dance begins, Dogon men retreat to these caves and mourn the souls of the dead. While they are up here they also masterfully carve exquisite masks. 
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Hundreds of skulls line the floor of a Dogon sacred burial cave used to hold the remains of ancestors and respected elders in the Bandiagara Cliffs of southern Mali, West Africa. National Geographic ©

The Dama Ceremony

The ceremony that follows the mourning is called the dama dance. Trancelike, energetic movements are performed by the men to accompany the dead into the ancestral realm and restore order to the universe. Through such sacred rituals, the Dogon believe that the benevolent forces of their ancestors are transmitted to them as the dance creates a bridge into the supernatural world.

The Dogon perform these ceremonies to honor the passing of a respected elder. This dama dance ceremony will often last for three days and involve dozens of dancers representing figures from the animal world, male and female powers, and the afterworld.

Once the dama dance has been performed, the aged bones of the elder are placed high in the windswept Bandiagara cliffs in the caves for the dead.

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Kyle Mijlof Photography ©

The Sirige Mask

The visually powerful sirige mask is believed to bind the Dogon people to the celestial world of heaven and Earth. The mask's design, a straight line, serves to connect the two worlds through the conduit of the dancer and his body. Like all Dogon masks, the sirige belongs to the afterworld, the realm of where life and death meet.  The dancers of the sirige mask are considered the most skilled. They use their teeth to balance the 20-foot (6-meter) high mask, which is carved from the limb of a single tree. Dancers swing the mask in sweeping motions to represent the arc of the sun.

Known throughout the world by anthropologists and art curators, their masks rank among the most respected within the world of tribal art collections and have even influenced such Western 20th-century artists as Picasso and Braque, even the Cubist movement.

Keeping in mind the spiritual significance of the Dogon's dance, try to remember the origins of the traditions you will be celebrating this weekend., whether it be Halloween , Day of the Dead or anything else you celebrate at other times of the year. Perhaps even teach your children about them and also enrich them with other culture's traditions.  
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Kyle Mijlof Photography ©
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Kyle Mijlof Photography ©
Author: Donna Van Wyk
SEO Copywriter and Content Strategist at DigiGal Marketing
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Cultural Arts and Learning (CAL) Assemblies 

10/27/2014

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By Donna Van Wyk

Cheza Nami Assembly

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Come play with me! Or shall I say, “Cheza Nami” in Swahili. What better way to connect with our youth than through interactive dance, music and play? Throughout the school year hundreds of K-12 grade students are experiencing the magic and mystery of Africa in Cheza Nami’s informative and energetic 45 minute school assembly. Exploring the cultures, music, dress, instruments and dance of Africa, children receive enhanced diversity and multicultural awareness, while participating in something unique, memorable and fun! 

About the Cheza Nami Assembly, Collaborators and Sponsors

Cheza Nami believes in a play-based, experiential approach to education by teaching African culture through dance, play and movement. The Cheza Nami Foundation Cultural Arts and Learning (CAL) assembly is a curriculum-based youth cultural arts educational program developed this year.  This series will be offered to the Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) in collaboration with the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center (LVPAC). Listen for Life has also partnered with Cheza Nami to make their Travels with music unit on Africa, an online educational resource, available for the assembly pre-visit lesson plan.

This exciting program has won the approval of the City of Pleasanton and Redwood City Cultural Commission who have both awarded Cheza Nami with grants to provide schools with these educational assemblies. Cheza Nami has already provided assemblies to individual schools in cities throughout the Bay Area including Palo Alto, San Francisco, Redwood City and Alameda.

Benefits of the Assembly

In the lead up to the assembly, teachers are provided with a pre-visit lesson plan with material that includes facts about Africa, music, videos, worksheets and carefully selected videos and audio from Listen for Life.
From this cultural lesson plan, children will gain:
  • Enhanced knowledge of African culture,
  • Enhanced Knowledge of social, global and historical studies,
  • A heightened desire to engage in the arts and learn about other cultures. 

See what kid's are saying about the cultural lesson plan

Cultural activities such as dance, drumming, imaginative play and song provide interactive, educational experiences while fulfilling visual arts, social studies and physical educations standards of the California State Department of Education.

Through the assembly program, children:

  • Develop general fitness, coordination and balance as they explore African dance and instrument play.
  • Develop creative expression, practice active motion and develop rhythmic awareness as they explore African dance and movement. 
  • Stimulate creativity and enhance self-expression through imaginative play and creative movement. 
  • Are introduced to the concept of diversity and how everyone, everywhere makes a difference in our world. 

With such a captivating and informational package, Cheza Nami assemblies are already booking up with the following school assemblies for November 2014: Vintage Hills Elementary, Alisal Elementary, Walnut Grove Elementary, Orion Elementary School, Valley View Elementary, Hearts Elementary School, Lydiksen Elementary.

Testimonials

"That was a fantastic program. All the children were fully engaged. There was never a dull moment. There was movement, there was music. All the kids were excited and I felt that they learnt so much about the culture. All the students from our 6 year-olds all the way to up to our 11 year-olds were fully engaged and had a wonderful time" -Jennifer Loewen. Teacher, Orion School
Cheza Nami Assembly
"The assembly was so fun. We danced a lot. I got tired. I turned around and around. I wish we could do it again" - Daniel, 2nd grade

"I would like to go to Africa. I want to hear them play all of the drums and I want to wear the jewelry. The jewelry is so pretty. They wear a lot of necklaces. I would like to wear them. I want to see some animals too. I want to see a lion. I hope I can go to Kenya" -Samantha, 4th grade

"During the assembly I learnt about they are like us. My favorite part was when the man was playing with the drums." -Unknown student
You can find children's reviews on our pre-assembly lesson plan on Africa HERE.
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Fun for the Kids at Taste of Africa

10/16/2014

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Parents! Partake in the fun and join your child with an African storybook from our library while cuddling up with safari stuffed animals.

Other exciting activities include tot-sized drums to play, African-themed face painting and photos with Tano and Mali cutouts.

Don't miss out! Get your tickets now.





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This Sunday 19th October the Bothwell Arts Centre in Livermore will be transformed into an adventurous African expedition! Bring your children along for cultural and educational fun, crafts and activities!

The Safari Room

Treat the kids to a creative exploration through the wilderness in our outdoor Safari room. Here they will craft their own Manzili (African hut) and make music shakers using recycled materials. Our theme for the Safari room is recycling. Children will get to see and play with toys from Kenya that are made from recycled products and then use materials like toilet paper and cardboard in the craft area. 

Kids will get to paint, play and meet Cheza Nami's African children characters, Tano and Mali, along with their friendly giraffe, Twigo.  

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Taste of Africa - Entertainment Lineup

10/15/2014

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ART | DANCE | MUSIC | FOOD | FASHION

Spotlight on Artists & Musicians 
Welcome to magical Africa - no passport required! There are only 4 more days left before Taste of Africa, where you and the family can taste zealous Zimbabwe, adorn yourself in kaleidoscope Kenya, hear the music of spectacular Senegal and move to the rhythm of gregarious Ghana. Prepare your senses for Kenyan food tastings that will be filling the music-filled air with a delicious aroma of everything from Mama's gravy to Mbuzi Choma (rack of spiced and roasted lamb).
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Fashion by Wãwí
Below we have highlighted the renowned African artists that will sweep you away to their homelands in Africa this Sunday, 19th October. They will delight in taking you on a cultural adventure as they display their heritage and talents in the form of music, art and one-of-kind crafted creations.

And, as if that isn't enough, there are also wine baskets up for auction at the event which include;
tickets to the 34th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration,  private tasting & tours and magnums from the likes of Concannon Vineyard and Rubino Estate Winery!
Wãwí Amasha - A taste of Kenya

If you haven't seen her work on the high fashion runways already then you can see it in stores around
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Big Sur, San Francisco and France. Her art is part of the African revolution gaining attention from people all over the world.

She has carried the intention of preserving African culture and traditions through fashion, jewelry,art and her interest in permaculture.

Take a look at
this vibrant display of her Spring / Summer 2008 collection
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Jewelry by Wawi
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Ibou Ngom - A taste of Senegal

This master drummer, dance, performance artist  was born into a Griot family of traditional musicians in Senegal, West Africa He has been carrying on his family’s musical lineage since childhood. Ibou facilitates community drumming and dancing with adults and students of all ages.

Swing your body to this  video from one of his drumming circle workshops.



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Jayson Fann - Spirit Nests & Soulful Music

Awaken your spirit with Jayson's Spirit Nests, art, music and dance. In this great interview Jayson tells us about himself and his passions.

This Sunday he will be helping us with decor and sharing his drumming and curated music with us.


Piwai - A taste of Zimbabwe

With certain artists, the craft runs so pure in the blood that simply bearing witness to their work has the power to transport you to another time and place. Piwai is such an artist. Her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence command attention while offering a transformational experience. Her passion for song, dance, and community is a gift to the world. 

Born in Zimbabwe, Piwai was surrounded by music from an early age. Her first influences include music from the Shona and Ndebele people of Zimbabwe, Suthu and Zulu tribes, and the Zimbabwean Catholic Church.  She joined her first choir at the age of 10, wrote her first song at age of 13, and hasn’t stopped since.
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Nancy - A taste of Ghana

Born and raised in Ghana, Nancy Oppongmea McClymonds studied dance and theatre at the University of Ghana, and worked with Abibigromma Theatre Company.

Her energetic dance is not-to-be-missed
performance happening this Sunday at the Taste of Africa!

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Guest speaker from Asante Africa

Erna Grasz, a former Silicon Valley corporate executive with an advanced degree in engineering, is the founder of
Asante Africa Foundation and CFO at Cheza Nami Foundation. Asante Africa Foundation provides invaluable education to youth across 31 villages in Kenya and Tanzania. Asante Africa  believes in the power of knowledge as a catalyst to help young people create a future where they can live their fullest potential.

Hear what this wonderful woman has to say at Taste of Africa.

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Guest artist: Elisangela Sousa - A taste of Brasil

Lead Vocals, Percussion, Dance for SambaDa. Born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, Dandha has been a member of Ile Aiye, one of Brazil’s most important musical and cultural institutions, since she was 6 years old.

As a lead dancer with Ile Aiye, Dandha has shared the stage with Brazilian stars such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Daniela Mercury. As well as performing with Ile Aiye and SambaDá, Dandha teaches Afro Brazilian dance all over the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Guest artists: Oumou Diamanka & Mbor Ngoma Faye - A taste of Senegal

This husband (on drums) and wife (dancer) duo will blow you away with their
West African djembe and dance which is trance-like, rhythmic and full of energy!

For a peek into one of their dance lessons, take a look at this video clip.



Don't hesitate. Book your tickets now, before it's too late!

Author: Donna Van Wyk

SEO Copywriter and Content Strategy at DigiGal Marketing
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Jen’s Story… 

8/19/2014

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Jen pictured here with her husband Charles


Can you dance?  I mean can you really dance?  Well, meet one of our cheerful dancers at ChezaNami, Jen Maina.  An educator, an avid Safari Adventure Traveler, Mom and a great mind, Mrs.Maina is a great help to Cheza Nami.  She delights in teaching and interacting with children—it’s her destiny she says.  Maina has been with Cheza Nami since its inception, and was thrilled to join in as a Secretary of the Board.  She share that her decision was easy because she envisioned the contribution the organizations brings to the well being and development of our young minds.

When asked to elaborate her insights, Maina was quick to highlight, “Children are agile and can be inspired by almost anything, playful dance, etc.  Whether that happens in the dance studio, while at the park or in a classroom; interactive play is essential to their growth and development.  And the more we offer it to our children the better of they will be.”   She adds, as a teacher, she often has to be innovative in her methodologies and approaches when introducing new concepts to her students, and dance is a great means by which the young can be exposed to the African culture, and the world at large.  Authenticity of the lessons and performances are some of her key selling points to other parents and adults who wish to join in on the fun—she notes that "it is all very real and the audience can sense it is from the heart.”

Being that she loves to dance to the tune of African music, drumming and the likes, she not only enjoys teaching the moves, but incorporating her expertise by sharing some of her teaching expertise to develop Cheza Nami programs and lessons plans.  When asked what would she like to share with others seeking similar experiences, she quickly point out that she has enjoyed much about Africa, and has visited many African countries and considers Kenya her second home.  "My husband is a native, and together we are privileged to operate a Safari and Travel company (www.overlandersafari.com).  We delight in sharing much of our experiences and joys of Africa with those we serve.  I would like to carve up all the wonderful sights, sounds, smells and taste of Africa.  It is a true experience when you can taunt the sensory system with such delights.”

Authored by Carolyne Njogu
Lead Strategy Consultant, U&I Synergy Consulting Group
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The story behind Cheza Nami

4/4/2014

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Ciiku from chad mcclymonds on Vimeo.

Have you heard of the saying that dreams comes with much activity? If you have ever dreamed of doing something, and went on to accomplish it, you know first hand the veracity of this statement. Some dreams are birthed out of pain, lack, need, want and ambitions while others are born out of pure love and a sense of destiny.

It is almost four years now since my brief interview with Catherine-Ndugu-Case, the Founder of Cheza Nami Foundation. I recall clearly her asking a few questions about African Childhood games, dances, songs and riddles we grew up enjoying back in our native land, Kenya. I also recall that a few weeks later, that Mrs. Ndungu-Case invited me to a Cheza Nami debut: African Culture Learning workshop at the Pleasanton Public Library. I knew Catherine to be an artist since she was perhaps 10 years old. I recall she loved to showcase her musical skills, but she always had an ear for unique art pieces across all genres. When her twins were born six years ago, her dreams love for the arts really began to take form. When asked what really motivated her, Catherine likes to point to her bundles of joy, her twins and now six years old. I think the video above summarize why she is best at what she does. She explains, “When my twins were born, I searched for resources to help teach my kids Swahili, the language of her native Kenya. "I was hoping to find some programs similar to baby sign language classes, which use flash cards and interactive play. I could not find anything, and thus I knew I had to come up with something.” Determined to find a solution, Catherine took matters into her own hands, and weaved her love for art with the desire to teach African culture—and there, Cheza Nami, which means “Play with me” in Swahili, was founded. 
Today, it’s almost three years since Cheza Nami was born, and the organization is committed to promoting the understanding and appreciation of African Culture through music, dance, art and play. Besides, teaching African art, dance and music, Catherine delights in connecting with other local artists, and is constantly sharing her culture with all both locally and abroad. She believes that we are living in exciting times where the world is changing rapidly and cultures of all is within our turf—and therefore those who regard themselves as global citizens will have a better shot at thriving in our diverse world. For Catherine, Cheza Nami is her way of contributing to our world. She is grateful to have access to other cultures in this melting pot that is the Bay Area, and she feels that she owes it to the world to share some of the awesome qualities her African culture has to offer. Qualities such as the sense of community—an embodiment of many African cultures and a phenomenon that could very well enrich our lives given today’s growing digital age.

When she is not leading and programming at Cheza Nami, Catherine enjoys play with her twins while constantly strategizing on how to grow and bring her audience the best programs. When asked what she would like her organization to be known for, she shares her vision, “I hope to be an African Culture Ambassador.” And while she is aware of the diversity of African culture, she recognizes that the best way to accurately represent and share the different cultures of the continent is to collaborate, and partner with other local African cultural performing artists. She sees Cheza Nami as a unique go-to center for all things African culture learning and play, and she believes fulfilling this mandate is her destiny.

Authored by Carolyne Njogu
Lead Strategy Consultant, U&I Synergy Consulting Group
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A Picture is worth a thousand words, right? 

2/19/2014

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PictureFounder Catherine and her daughter Elah. Photo By Reece McMillan
Wimwega! Jambo! Hello! 

Parents, do you wish you could teach your tot some of your childhood plays and songs?  Or better yet, do you wish you could share your childhood experiences with your tot?  You are not alone, and although I am not a parent yet; I confess my niece and nephew often ask some of the most interesting questions about my childhood—perhaps their curiosity stems from the knowledge that I grew up thousands and thousands miles away, I don’t know.  But whatever the reason, I find it hard to explain because some things are better experienced than explained.  

This brings me to my next confession of why I choose to write this blog.  You see, I came across the embedded, and I could not help but reminisce of the wonderful times I had at my grandma’s in Kenya.  The truth is that back then, I didn’t have toys or barbie dolls to play with or a babysitter to watch me; so, my friends, cousins and I just did what kids do best—play, and play we did.   Due to lack of toys, we improvised and used hands to tap the ground and pebbles to invent game that forged collaboration, etc.  This duo, mother and daughter, captured my imaginations in that I found myself lost in awe …what a partnership, how lovely, how authentic, and of course, how fun it must be for the two to embrace their roots and yet have fun together!   

You may have heard of the saying that, “two are better than one…” I truly believe in the power of two, but the thought of this mom and her tot enjoying their culture in such a fun way is more than heaven to me!  Heaven because it must be fulfilling to the parent, chiefly because it allows the parent to expose the child to a new culture, a treasure like moment that a child carries on into her future.   I should point out that this exposure compels the child to appreciate and relate better with others of a different culture.   For me, I know for a fact that growing up in an environment where my neighbors were from a different tribe and cultures helped me be more open to others in the Bay Area and the world at large.  

As I mentioned earlier, I am yet to be a mother, nevertheless; am very excited to join all you parents that love to engage with your tots in the very act of play. For those of you that have not been to parent and child African music and dance class, I encourage you to check it out... you will not regret it!   I applaud this organization and am proud to bond in their commitment to involve you and your child in learning through play—the spirit of Cheza Nami meaning ‘play with me.’  

Authored by Carolyne Njogu
Lead Strategy Consultant, U&I Synergy Consulting Group


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    Donna Van Wyk
    SEO Copywriter and Content Strategy at DigiGal Marketing

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Cheza Nami Foundation, inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. Tax ID#  27 - 4568585
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